"Call me… Delphox Rouge!"

This new challenger made quite the first impression within Frost Cavern. True to her declaration, the theme of her costume resembled a Delphox closer than her outside Pokémon partner, a Braixen. She certainly had the Delphox ears, complete with red-orange fur tufts, sticking out from the top of her scarlet-brown hair pulled into a high ponytail. Her Delphox ears were clipped similarly to how Liepard Noir wore his Liepard ears. The mask over her eyes and covering much of the upper half of her face was yellow, contrasting greatly against her tanned skin. The rest of her outfit appeared robe-like to match a Delphox's appearance, but the sleeves and the garment over her legs were shortened to prevent impracticality in movement. Formfitting black gloves covered her hands up to her elbows, past her sleeves, while her feet were kept in tight thigh-high black boots. Eyes that looked past her form would also note the bushy yellow tail hanging from the back of her robe suit like an extra coattail. Interestingly enough, the coattail had its own external pocket where a big stick was nesting just to fully mimic Delphox's physiology.

However, one particular detail that caught nearly everyone's attention was the rainbow-colored Key Stone hanging around her neck in a flat pendant molded into the form of Delphox's tail.

"Heh, didn't know there were more Pokémon heroes like us out there," Liepard Noir quipped.

"Neither did I," Lady Ledian commented, eyes slightly narrowed out of wariness. As grateful as she was for the untimely assistance in her partner's rescue, she couldn't drop her guard around this newcomer until she understood Delphox Rouge's intentions herself. "Wonder why now."

"So… Ms. Delphox, was it?" Liepard Noir prompted cheekily.

"Good effort, Liepard Noir, but not quite," Delphox Rouge winked. "I'm no banker and I'm certainly no clone."

"Ooh, I like this one," Liepard Noir chuckled. "Hey, my Lady, you and her can match sassy wits."

"We'll see," Lady Ledian continued to critically observe the Delphox-themed girl.

"Hoo, boy, I can sense the distrust," Delphox Rouge commented, approaching the duo with her Braixen. "That's okay. I'd be doing the same if I were in your shoes if someone claiming to be another hero enters the fray after all this time. Anyway, Delphox Rouge is what I go by and helping superheroes is how I fly!"

"Well, you know who we are, but out of politeness," Liepard Noir snagged one of Delphox Rogue's hands to plant a quick kiss on it. Delphox Rogue felt really flattered at the attention while Lady Ledian's right eye twitched out of annoyance and certainly not out of jealousy. "The name's Liepard Noir, little Fennekin. The Shadow Claw of Justice. Serperior Master of Pokémon Puns. And all-around cool Geodude."

Lady Ledian hesitated for a couple of seconds before formally introducing herself, and for good reason. While she would admit to being strict upon having another Trainer wearing a Pokémon mask to hide her identity join their cause, Liepard Noir balanced them out with his trusting and loyal nature. In other words, she had to be the skeptic and paranoid one. Then again, she imagined herself in Delphox Rouge's shoes, back to when she started out alongside Liepard Noir back at Geosenge Town. Unlike Delphox Rouge or even Liepard Noir, she didn't know what she was doing aside from the base desire of revenge for kidnapping Ivan. She then remembered that it was because of Liepard Noir's complete faith in her despite her rocky start that she found her inner confidence to fight back. He gave her a chance and he was giving Delphox Rouge a chance under the presumption that the two of them inspired her to become her own hero. It was decided what her stance on the new girl's presence was going to be. Giving her the benefit of the doubt was the very least she could do.

"And I'm Lady Ledian," Lady Ledian finally greeted, extending a hand out for the new Delphox heroine to shake. "If you're really like us and want to protect the people you love from Team Akuma, then welcome aboard the Defenders of Kalos."

"Thank you!" Delphox Rogue grinned, accepting the handshake with gusto. "I've actually longed to help you guys out and now that I have the same power as you, I can actually make a difference." She held up her Key Stone necklace to emphasize her point. "I can use Mega Evolution!"

"It'll take more than Mega Evolution to fight Team Akuma, y'know," Lady Ledian advised. "You realize what you're risking by openly standing against them. They'll try to keep an eye out on you and try to make your life miserable if given the opportunity."

"Oh, I know how this game is played," Delphox Rouge glared at the Akuma Grunts. "They've attacked my friends and endangered people I love in Lumiose City. I cannot forgive that. I'll do what it takes to take them down with you."

"And by the way, there's something about our Key Stones they want," Liepard Noir added, purposefully being vague about the fact that his and Lady Ledian's Key Stones had the powers of Xerneas and Yveltal. It didn't seem necessary to tell her at the moment and it would've been a lot of information for Delphox Rouge to process all at once. "That device your Braixen destroyed was trying to drain my ring."

"Close call, in that case," Delphox Rouge mumbled, glancing downward upon her own Key Stone. "That might mean they'll come after my Key Stone if that's their aim."

"Have you tried using Mega Evolution yet?" Lady Ledian asked.

"Uh… no," Delphox Rouge smiled shamefacedly, having hesitated in answering. "This is… going to be my first time."

"Ugh, how are we supposed to trust you if you haven't thought that far ahead?" Lady Ledian chastised. "And do you actually have a Mega Stone and a Pokémon that can use it?"

"Whoa, easy there, my Lady," Liepard Noir intervened. "I know you have your right to be cautious, but ease up on the Fennekin, will ya?"

"Ahem, Delphox," Delphox Rouge corrected. "Anyway, no need to come to my defense, Liepard Noir. As I said, I knew what I was getting into, and that includes me and my Pokémon experiencing Mega Evolution for the first time in this snow-covered cavern."

"And who says we're gonna let you stop us?" a Team Akuma Grunt taunted. "Your addition won't matter. We still outnumber you kids AND we have the power of a Mega Abomasnow on our side!"

"Oh, really," Delphox Rouge smirked. "Ember!" Her Braixen shot a fireball at an unsuspecting Sneasel, blasting and knocking the Sharp Claw Pokémon in one hit. The remaining Sneasel quickly leapt back with the rest of Team Akuma while one Grunt recalled the fallen Sneasel. "Still think you guys are hot stuff? My Braixen would say otherwise."

"Yeah? Try that again!" another Akuma Grunt goaded. "Houndour, go!"

The Grunts were confident that the Houndour would take down Delphox Rouge's Braixen as both Pokémon's Abilities were Flash Fire, which meant Ember attacks would only make them stronger. Their single-minded desire to take down the upstart left them completely shortsighted as Gallade suddenly appeared before the Houndour with a narrowed look demanding retribution.

"Ah, ah, ah, not this time," Liepard Noir wagged a finger. "Slash!"

In the blink of an eye, Gallade extended the blades out of his elbows and swiped each Houndour with both arms, the slicing trails of his double Slash attacks visibly repelling the Houndour away. The hits were critical enough to knock both out, forcing the Akuma Grunts to recall them into their Poké Balls.

"No, we can't let these brats get the upper hand, not after everything we've done," the leading Akuma Grunt grumbled. "A minor setback, nothing more." The Grunt looked to their remaining Pokémon, two Skorupi and a Sneasel. There was also Mega Abomasnow at her own location, seemingly waiting for further orders while the hail continued to fall around them. "We would've possibly left you alone had you let us finish our business with Liepard Noir's Key Stone, but now, you're really leaving us no choice. Attack! All of you!"

"Use Poison Fang!" the Grunts in charge of the Skorupi ordered.

"Night Slash!" Sneasel's Grunt commanded.

The Sneasel charged forward with elongated purple-glowing blade on claw while flanked by the Skorupi on both sides, skittering alongside the Sharp Claw Pokémon with venomously powered jaws. Gardevoir and the Braixen she immediately recognized at close distance but chose not to say anything on the matter stepped up next.

"Thanks for getting back our momentum, Pard, but I can't let you have all the fun," Lady Ledian smirked.

"And I'm gonna earn your trust one way or another," Delphox Rouge added.

"Gardevoir, use Psychic on the Skorupi!"

"Tri—I mean, Braixen! Use Scratch to stop Sneasel! Then use Ember!"

Two little Skorupi, standard-issue Pokémon given to Akuma Grunts to carry out heavy field work, against a fully evolved Gardevoir that shared a powerful bond of love and trust with her Trainer was no contest. Gardevoir easily ensnared them within her powerful telekinesis, levitating the two Scorpion Pokémon and slamming them against the icy cave walls and into each other, rendering them unable to continue.

And then there was Delphox Rouge's Braixen using her own sharpened claws to clash against Sneasel's Night Slash. The attempt wasn't strong enough to overpower Sneasel, but it was enough to cancel out the opponent's momentum and knock the enemy out with a super effective Ember before a counterattack could've been made.

The remainder of the Akuma Grunts' Pokémon were fainted and forced to be recalled into their Poké Balls. Even with the sheer power of Mega Abomasnow still at their side, all of them couldn't fathom how this reversal was possible. They had the upper hand on the Defenders of Kalos by numbers and tactics. They outnumbered the heroes even with Delphox Rouge's unwelcomed intrusion. They also studied from their co-workers' failures from past encounters on their battling styles. Lady Ledian had the confident air of a leader potent enough to rebel against the likes of Team Akuma while Liepard Noir, wild and powerful as he and his Pokémon were, often allowed his emotions to cloud his judgment in contrast, resulting in him defending his Lady at any opportunity.

But now, their persistence in throwing a wrench in Team Akuma's plans have done the unthinkable. Even with villainous team's crimes striking fear throughout the Kalos region, the Defenders' counterattacks inspired hope instead. That hope was enough to get people to fight back starting in their citywide attack on Lumiose City.

And it was through that hope that inspired another snot-nosed Trainer to take a stand alongside them under the image of a Delphox and completely ruin their chance for an ultimate victory. Delphox Rouge's intervention was totally unplanned for. The Grunts didn't think anyone would be brave and foolish enough to seek out the heroes all the way out in Frost Cavern just to help them. They sooner expected the Kalos police led by that insufferable Gym Leader from Coumarine City to surround and arrest them instead.

"You're not going to win!" the leading Akuma Grunt bellowed. "Not after everything our Leader and we've done!"

At that fierce emotion, Mega Abomasnow reacted with a harsh cold gust. Her rationality was nearly gone due to Team Akuma's interference, forcing her into her Mega Evolved form through artificial means. Mega Evolution was meant to increase the power between Trainer and Pokémon through their shared bond of trust, but this case was the testament of scientific hubris, of humans that believed they could control the very forces of nature through their warped manipulation of science and technology.

In short, an abomination. Or Abomasnow-ation in this case… Moving on…

The winds of her Blizzard, on top of the ongoing indoor hailstorm, roared rampantly throughout the cavern, forcing all sides to brace themselves for protection and warmth. Lady Ledian was still quivering even with Gardevoir hugging her close. Liepard Noir and Gallade were unable to move close to them as they both had an arm to futilely shield their eyes. Delphox Rouge and her Braixen stepped up to the challenge once again with the Fox Pokémon producing a bright flame from the tip of her wand to fend off the cold.

"Against ice, fire will win," Delphox Rouge quipped. "Magic Coat!"

Her Braixen leapt before their little group, twirling her wand to combine the large flame with her inner psychic power. A vibrant barrier shimmering as brilliantly as her flames encapsulated them from Mega Abomasnow's chilling gales. Liepard Noir was bemused by the usage of Magic Coat, as the move was known to reflect status moves back. It wouldn't have any affect on Blizzard or on the hail annoyingly pelting them and their Pokémon from the ceiling.

"What are you d-d-doing?" Lady Ledian shivered.

"Handling damage control the best I can," Delphox Rouge replied. "You got this, Tr—Erm… Braixen!"

Even if it was by a small margin, the effects of Mega Abomasnow's relentless attack were lessened by Delphox Rouge's Braixen's endeavors. The Magic Coat combined with her flames did manage to prevent present company from freezing, though it was mainly because her Braixen was enduring the blunt of Mega Abomasnow's icy power. Even with the type advantage, the Fox Pokémon was straining to uphold her Magic Coat as she took some heavy damage.

"It's no good," Liepard Noir argued. "Abomasnow's too powerful for your Pokémon. At least let me help. Gallade!" In a short moment later, the Blade Pokémon wore the black waist sash Lady Ledian made for them that held the Galladite before leaping forward to stand with the wobbling Braixen. Lady Ledian held a proud smile that her partner's Pokémon was putting her accessory to good use. "It's time! Blades out!" The Liepard-themed hero swiped over his Mega Ring before punching it out, power overflowing from their united hearts. "Mega Evolve!"

The Galladite attached to Gallade's waist by the sash reacted strongly in response. Energies caused the hanging cloth to flutter as the light of Mega Evolution overtook him. All the while, the sash and Mega Stone disappeared upon being absorbed for the transformation. Gallade performed his eccentric transformation poses, using one arm to swipe over his face to elongate the spikes at the side of his head before using both hands to emphasize the additional decorations forming from the top of his head around the center blade. His arms were spread out as they were defined with sharp red plates on their edges. Finally hunching slightly to allow his cape to sprout out of his back before ending with tentative slashes in the air for the final pose, accompanied by the fleeting multicolored mark of Mega Evolution in front.

"So awesome to see up close!" Delphox Rouge grinned widely.

"That's my partner," Lady Ledian stated fondly.

"Gallade, Psycho Cut!" Liepard Noir began.

The sharp red plates on his arms glowed brilliantly from stored psychokinetic power as Mega Gallade got into a stance. In one spin, he sent out a multitude of psychic crescent projectiles from his swings to fight off Mega Abomasnow's Blizzard. Each blade sliced through the snowballs coating Abomasnow's gusts before the Frost Tree Pokémon upped her output in retaliation. However, the attempted power struggle wound up in a stalemate, in which the built-up pressure behind the two attacks blew both sides back.

"I've got your back, Pard!" Lady Ledian announced, nodding to her Gardevoir, who then joined up with Mega Gallade and Delphox Rouge's Braixen since Mega Abomasnow's Blizzard finally died down. The hail was still ongoing, but it was regarded as nothing more than a minor nuisance. "Time to transform!" She flourished a hand upon her lower left ear lobe, where her Key Stone earring hung upon. "Gardevoir, grace on! Mega Evolve!"

The Gardevoirite connecting the red and black-spotted shawl accessory on the front that Lady Ledian designed and sewed for her Pokémon reacted just as vigorously as Gardevoir felt greater power flow throughout her body. In a quick bright flash of energy followed by the Mega Evolution emblem briefly making the scene, Mega Gardevoir stood in place, arms curled up and poised to stop Mega Abomasnow.

"Aw, yeah, now it's getting serious!" Delphox Rouge cheered. "Seeing Mega Gardevoir and Mega Gallade up close like this has totally made my day!"

"So you did watch us from the sidelines," Lady Ledian noted warily.

"Let's just say I've wanted to jump in and help you guys out, but I promised my best friend I wouldn't do anything crazy," Delphox Rouge winked.

"And what do you call this?" Lady Ledian asked wryly, feeling a strange connection with that sentiment.

"Just me attempting to be her guardian angel and make sure Team Akuma doesn't mess with her," Delphox Rouge replied. "Y'know, I think you and she would get along awesomely. You're awesome and she's awesome. Double the awesome!"

"Whoever your best friend is must be one lucky gal," Lady Ledian smiled.

"Hey, fellow heroes, I hate to interrupt the girl talk and all, but Abomasnow's pushing back," Liepard Noir alerted dryly. He indicated how his Mega Gallade now engaged Mega Abomasnow in close quarters combat. His speed and quick Slash attacks were enough to preoccupy Mega Abomasnow and fend off her lumbering Wood Hammer smashes. "It might look good now, but trust me, it's gonna get back quickly." As if on cue, the heroines saw Mega Gallade knocked back by the Wood Hammer shockwave. He avoided a direct hit, but he was too close for the impact to knock him back. "See?"

"Ah, of course," Lady Ledian responded guiltily.

"Yeah, really sorry about that," Delphox Rouge offered, hand placed behind her head.

"Let's get back in the game then. Gardevoir, use Psychic!"

"How's this for extra firepower! Ember!"

Their Pokémon charged in with Mega Gardevoir catching Mega Gallade midflight, holding up a hand and slowing his descent with Psychic before redirecting her telekinetic force on Mega Abomasnow. At first, the Frost Tree Pokémon appeared to have been bound completely, evident with Psychic's active outline on Mega Abomasnow's body and her apparent struggle against the unseen bondage. She, however, soon proved that her Mega Evolved form was not for show as the additional strength she had was enough to forcibly move her arms from psychic suspension.

At the meantime, Delphox Rouge's Braixen got in close to unleash multiple fireballs at Mega Abomasnow. They had some effect upon contact, but it only caused the larger Pokémon to thrash about more in a blind rage, which was enough to break out of Mega Gardevoir's Psychic. Mega Gallade swooped in and grabbed her around the waist before Mega Abomasnow could mash her flat with Wood Hammer.

After placing the Fox Pokémon back on her feet, both she and Mega Gallade resumed the offensive with Ember and Psycho Cut barrages from both sides. Mega Abomasnow's defenses were remarkably sturdy at the cost of speed. All she could do was lumber and attempt to swat at the smaller Pokémon once they got close enough.

"Abomasnow's too strong," Lady Ledian muttered. "Not even Ember's making a dent." She then noticed within her peripheral vision the members of Team Akuma attempting to sneak away. Unfortunately, she wasn't fast enough to see the Venomoth that accompanied them flee out of the cavern as soon as Delphox Rouge made the scene. "Hey! Not so fast!"

"You can't catch us, brat!" one Grunt taunted.

"Oh, really," Lady Ledian smirked. "Psychic!"

"… You just had to open your fat trap, didn't ya," another Akuma Grunt remarked caustically as the six of them were quickly ensnared in Psychic.

Of course, none of them could protest as soon as Mega Gardevoir sent them flying into one of the cavern walls, some of them headfirst. It didn't take once but three times repeated slamming against the cavern until the concussive trauma was enough to render them unconscious.

"Whoa, remind me never to get on your bad side," Delphox Rouge whistled.

"Was that really necessary, my Lady?" Liepard Noir asked worriedly.

"We can't let them crawl back to Poison Moth and this was the only way to stop them until the Kalos authorities can arrest them," Lady Ledian explained, taking out another Poké Ball. "It had to be done. And just to be safe…" She tossed the Poké Ball into the air. "String Shot!"

Her Leavanny emerged from the Poké Ball, readily spraying a layer of resilient silk threads from her mouth to bind up the Akuma Grunts, preventing them from escaping once they regained consciousness. Once all six were wrapped up and clustered closely in the threads, Lady Ledian recalled Leavanny so that she wouldn't have to suffer as much of the cold as her Trainer has been enduring.

"At least with those guys out of the picture, that just leaves us calming down Abomasnow and turning her back to normal… somehow," Liepard Noir commented, turning his attention back to the ongoing conflict.

He trusted his Pokémon to independently fight while taking care of Team Akuma. Mega Gallade was locked in a grapple with two sharpened arm blades attempting to repel the large green mallet formed around Mega Abomasnow's hand. The Blade Pokémon was gradually sinking into the snow, unable to overpower Mega Abomasnow. Not to mention that the poor traction the snow provided was making fighting back difficult on his part as Mega Abomasnow pushed down further.

Before the Frost Tree Pokémon could crush her bothersome foe, she felt the irritation of Ember scalding at one of her sides. The annoying little Braixen was at it again, but her level of power was nothing. Especially as Mega Abomasnow unleashed another wild Blizzard from her body, blowing throughout the entire Frost Cavern. Mega Gallade was forced to cover behind his capes while Mega Gardevoir safeguarded the heroic Trainers with her psychic powers.

"No!" Delphox Rouge cried as her Braixen was sent flying into an ice wall, leaving quite the dent. "Dang it!"

"Her Ember attacks stand no chance against that," Liepard Noir commented somberly. "She needs more firepower than that."

"Then it's time I unleashed my secret weapon," Delphox Rouge announced, taking out a Poké Ball. Before she could throw it, her Braixen barked at her to stand down despite the Fox Pokémon barely standing after that last hit. "W-What?"

"I'd hold that Poké Ball if I were you, Delphox Rouge," Lady Ledian advised. "I think your Braixen wants to try one more thing. She needs you to trust her."

"I… understand," Delphox Rouge relented, lowering her arm. While Mega Abomasnow was currently too strong and berserk to stop even with their three Pokémon, the Delphox-themed heroine had a fiery feeling that her Braixen still had one last trick up her sleeve. "You can do it!"

Her Braixen stood back to full height after sensing her Trainer's full confidence in her. It was enough to finally unlock her inner potential and grow her power even more, manifesting this power throughout her body as the familiar light of evolution had reached its peak.

All three teen heroes, along with Mega Gardevoir and Mega Gallade, were entreated to an awesome show of their Braixen friend changing before their eyes. Her form grew taller while the tufts of fur around her waist extend downwards, resembling a robe more than its previous representation of a short skirt. The tufts of fur in her ears, face, and arms also lengthened in response until she broke out of the light with a mighty yell.

"Del-phox!" she bellowed, pointing her stick wand forward and igniting a brighter flame from its tip.

"Well, well, congrats, little Fennekin," Liepard Noir grinned, patting Delphox Rouge on the shoulder. "Your Braixen is now living up to your namesake."

"She's a Delphox now," Delphox Rouge smiled breathlessly. After everything her tricky little Pokémon went through, from being ignored by insensitive beginner Trainers for the Kalos starters up to this point, the scarlet-brunette heroine couldn't help but feel immense proud over her growth. "So totally awesome…! Girl!"

Her Delphox began to demonstrate her newfound powers with the ongoing flame on her wand, waving it in a circle as it intensified in size and heat. Even at its preparation, Mega Abomasnow was seen wincing from the flame's radiation. Her previous fire attacks as a Braixen had little effect, showing how much stronger she became from her evolution. A ring of fire was formed from the wand's circling before a concentrated column blazed out of it, scorching Mega Abomasnow in the face and causing her to roar back in major discomfort.

"Whoa, I know that's not Ember anymore," Delphox Rouge noted. "But that doesn't look like Flamethrower either."

"Correct," Liepard Noir nodded, folding his arms. "What we're seeing here is Mystical Fire. It was formerly considered Delphox's signature move, similarly to how the move, Water Shuriken, is frequently associated with Greninja or like Spiky Shield to Chesnaught."

"Interesting," Delphox Rouge tapped a finger on her chin thoughtfully. "Let's see it again. Mystical Fire!"

Her Delphox unleashed another Mysical Fire stream at Mega Abomasnow. She was joined by Mega Gallade spinning in place to release Psycho Cut blades from the other side, completely confounding Mega Abomasnow on who to smash first, not to mention her endurance finally whittling down with the newly gained firepower.

"What happened with Mysical Fire being Delphox's former signature move?" Lady Ledian asked, unknowing to how she would wind up regretting this action.

"It was later discovered that Mismagius can also learn Mystical Fire, no longer making it a Delphox-exclusive," Liepard Noir explained.

"Well, exclusive to Delphox or not, I think we can finally calm down Abomasnow with my Delphox's new strength!" Delphox Rouge cheered.

"That move will help out big time," Liepard Noir gave her a thumbs-up. "Mystical Fire weakens the special attack power of the target, meaning Abomasnow's Blizzard won't be as powerful after a few hits."

"Wow, you're like a Pokémon encyclopedia, Liepard Noir," Delphox Rouge beamed. "You're definitely smarter than you look and I already pegged ya as another pretty boy face."

"Uh… I'll take that as a compliment," Liepard Noir replied, thrown off by her rather smart-alecky wording. "And for someone who just took the path of a Pokémon hero, you're doing a Pyroar-ingly good job for a first timer. Y'know, I had the gut feeling we'd get along swimmingly."

"Guess that feeling wasn't Farfetch'd after all," Delphox Rouge jested.

"Eh, not bad for a Poké pun, but not that great either," Liepard Noir commented evenly. "Heard it too many times before."

"Oh, so you're a pun critic now," Delphox Rouge huffed, crossing her arms. "You're lucky you're cute, y'know."

Lady Ledian was starting to get annoyed by the banter between these two, not helped by sensing the flirtatious undertones from both parties. It was also not helped that she had to voice her curiosity on the matter, which led to Liepard Noir and Delphox Rouge bonding when they shouldn't. Sure, the Team Akuma Grunts were disposed of and now they had a better chance at stopping Mega Abomasnow's rampage with the recent evolution. That didn't mean Liepard Noir could start paying more attention to Delphox Rouge and praising her over the littlest things.

And no, before anyone could inquire, Lady Ledian was not jealous. It was more on her so-called Pard letting himself become distracted by the new hero girl despite his earlier protest on her and Delphox Rouge distracting each other. Still, it wouldn't do any good for her to dwell on negative and rather ridiculous scenarios.

"V-Voir…"

Speaking of distractions, Lady Ledian's attention was brought to the sudden exhaustion she felt, pulling her to Gardevoir's direction. She faced the Embrace Pokémon to find her nearly fall to her knees before a bright flash emanated from her body, returning her to her base form. Gardevoir was panting heavily while slumped over, hands on knees.

"N-Not again," Lady Ledian cried. "Gardevoir, we haven't even stopped Abomasnow yet."

"Uh, what's going on?" Delphox Rouge asked worriedly.

"Hmm, I was afraid this might happen," Liepard Noir pondered grimly, hand under his chin. "My Lady, have you still not determined what's causing your Gardevoir to end her Mega Evolution early?"

"No, I haven't," Lady Ledian sighed, holding up Gardevoir with her arms. She helped moved one of Gardevoir's arms over her shoulders to support her. "And I know Team Akuma or anything else could've caused this. Gardevoir stood next to me the entire time to protect us from Abomasnow and Team Akuma is still knocked out."

"Listen, I am super sorry if I caused you trouble," Delphox Rouge held up her hands, glancing at Liepard Noir. "Listen, Liepard, you're cool and all, but you should know that I support you and Lady Ledian one-hundred percent."

"Huh? That's not what this is about!" Lady Ledian griped, unwittingly blushing over the implication.

"And besides, Liepard, if I had the choice of getting one of your phone numbers, I honestly would prefer hers over yours, no offense," Delphox Rouge winked.

"Oh, I see how it is, Rouge the Swoobat," Liepard Noir chuckled, giving her a faux wary glare.

"It's Delphox Rouge," Delphox Rouge corrected, unable to sound as stern as she wanted due to her involuntary laughter over his jibe.

"Let's settle the competition after we take care of Abomasnow then," Liepard Noir declared, turning his attention back to the ongoing battle. Mega Gallade did well in firing swift Psycho Cuts while evading Abomanow's Wood Hammer bashes, but it appeared that Abomasnow was about to use Seed Bomb, judging by the way she stood to full height for a huge air intake. "Gallade, Swords Dance! Then use Slash!"

At the momentary ceasefire, Mega Gallade stood in place and flexed his arms while blue glowing sword images circled him before crossing blades with each other, finishing with a rising red aura that drastically increased his attack power. His sharpened forearms then shone with a lustrous edge, dismantling the exhaled Seed Bombs into pieces that had weaker explosions before Slashing at the Frost Tree Pokémon herself, nicking bits of Abomasnow's white fur by the slice.

Mega Abomasnow stumbled back from the powerful hit before falling back on her front limbs. However, she was crouching lower than usual, struggling not to collapse upon her abdomen. She was greatly fatigued from the prolonged fight on top of the uncomfortable burden of her forced Mega Evolution.

But her primal instinct for survival upheld by the great power of her forced Mega Evolution along with Team Akuma's subjugation of her mind forced her to fight back no matter what. She responded with an even fiercer Blizzard that rumbled the innards of Frost Cavern, surprising especially having suffered two Mystical Fire blasts.

Her cowering Snover offspring held on to each other while taking covering behind their shared giant ice stalagmite. Mega Gallade shielded himself once more with his capes, though even he felt uncertain that he wasn't going to last any longer as ice was building up on his capes. He saw that his Delphox partner retaliated with another Mystical Fire to protect herself partially, but unfortunately, her fire still wasn't strong enough to stand against Blizzard, at least a Blizzard of this magnitude. And despite having lost her Mega Evolution again, Gardevoir protected her Trainer and the others the best she could with her psychic powers.

All three of them lasted through this Blizzard, but without a huge cost.

"Gardevoir, return," Lady Ledian reluctantly recalled her Pokémon, knowing she was in no condition to continue fighting while blaming herself for failing to understand the conflict within herself and Gardevoir's Mega Evolution. "I don't understand how Blizzard is this destructive." Her memory regarding various Academy lectures was fickle. It remembered some things and forgot the rest. She did remember that despite Blizzard being a powerful Ice-type move, it wasn't particularly reliable or practical to use in battle unless the right conditions were set. Her answer was right in front her all along once she finally noticed the small cold droplets pelting her from above. "The hail, of course!"

"We've been too distracted with Abomasnow to even consider weakening her more," Liepard Noir grumbled. "This ongoing hail brings out the full power of Blizzard, making it never miss."

"How is it hailing indoors anyway?" Delphox Rouge questioned, now fully conscious of the hail and was covering the top of her head with her arms for protection. "Sorry I missed the beginning part."

"Abomasnow's Snow Warning," Liepard Noir said simply, receiving a gasp of understanding in return.

"Man, and this is not mentioning how it weakens non-Ice Pokémon overtime on top of the extra cold," Delphox Rouge sniffled, wrapping her arms around herself. She glanced over to her Delphox and Mega Gallade as both Pokémon appeared to be out of breath from keeping up with Mega Abomasnow while having their stamina slowly drained by the hard-falling hail. "And I thought this suit was insulated enough for this weather. What are we going to do? As long as it's still hailing, that Blizzard's gonna be such a pain."

"There's one chance," Lady Ledian announced, taking out a new Poké Ball. She didn't have any Pokémon whose Abilities could suppress or alter weather effects nor did they have any moves that could change the weather. But she did have one viable solution. "The only way I can make up for my part as a Kalos Defender with Gardevoir down. Lucky Charm!" Her Lucky Charm manifested into the form of a cheery Togetic, who became not so cheery upon being released into a frigid climate. She flew back into Lady Ledian's arms while Lady Ledian warmed her up the best she could with a few rubs and optimistic vibes. "Sorry about that, Togetic, but we need you. Please do your best. Metronome!"

Togetic nodded resolutely and flew back into the air, hypnotically swaying her nubby arms side to side until they glowed brightly with unpredictable power. Lady Ledian, Liepard Noir, and Delphox Rouge watched in anticipation on what move Metronome had called upon for this situation. The glow from Togetic's arms disappeared as she unleashed her move.

It was sheer luck that the move resulted in this, that the hazy clouds covering the ice cavern ceiling were forced to clear away as the hail slowly came to a complete halt. Even weirder was the fact that a bright source of light manifested from the ceiling and radiated warmth within the cold environment, illuminating the cavern floors and causing the various icicle stalagmites and stalactites to sparkle like pure crystal.

"Who would've guessed Sunny Day was exactly what we needed?" Liepard Noir remarked, placing a hand over his eyes to protect them from the abrupt brightness.

"Seriously, that was pure luck," Delphox Rouge echoed. "Not that I'm complaining." She glanced over towards her Delphox, whose flame flaring from her wand had intensified even more due to Sunny Day's effect. "Now we have the advantage. Tri—I mean, Braixen! Gah! I mean Delphox!" Lady Ledian raised a suspicious brow at the new girl's tongue slips. An inner instinct told the red-masked heroine that her Delphox must be nicknamed, but Delphox Rouge was deliberately avoiding it by trying to refer to her Pokémon by her given species name lest it gave away who she really was. This was why she didn't want to use Tikki unless it was absolutely necessary. One could never be too cautious in the secret identity business on top of the confusion over responding to the same name. "Use Mystical Fire!"

At the issued command, her Delphox drew another circle of flames before erupting a powerful stream out of it. Mega Abomasnow retaliated with a concentrated Blizzard gust from her mouth. Even with her weakened special attack power up against a Sunny Day-enhanced Mystical Fire, the collision between the two attacks somehow resulted in a stalemate, though to be fair, Mega Abomasnow's Blizzard had outmatched previously. The end result of the stalemate was a steam explosion between Blizzard's pressure and Mystical Fire melting the snow.

"A little better, but we still can't get careless," Lady Ledian advised, recalling Togetic into her Poké Ball since her role was finished. "I don't have any Pokémon effective in fighting against Ice-types and I don't want to push Gardevoir any more than she can handle."

"Gallade won't last for much longer," Liepard Noir added, appearing a bit tired. "I can feel it. All that excitement in fighting against Team Akuma and Abomasnow in the hail is wearing us down."

"And unlike the hail, Sunny Day isn't going to last," Lady Ledian frowned, knowing she and her longtime partner were out of options. She faced the newest heroine with a look of steely resolve. "Delphox Rouge, I'm trusting you to make the most out of this. Please."

"You got it, Lady Ledian!" Delphox Rouge placed a hand over her own bicep and flexed it, her pose resembling that of a famous female figure that boosted morale in years past at a different region. She held back up the Poké Ball that she was initially going to throw before her Braixen evolved. "My Delphox may not like the assistance out of pride, but this is serious biz. Go, Medicham!"

Delphox Rouge revealed the second Pokémon under her ownership, aside from the Pokémon she masqueraded around as, to be the Meditate Pokémon. Medicham materialized sitting in lotus position, opening one eye to discover that she was sent out to battle. Upon standing to full height, Lady Ledian and Liepard Noir noticed a peculiar Mega Stone hanging by a simple cord around her neck.

"So then, this Medicham…," Liepard Noir trailed off.

"Is your go-to Pokémon for Mega Evolution?" Lady Ledian finished for him, also in awe as neither have really seen Medicham's Mega Evolved form in person.

"That's right," Delphox Rouge beamed, grabbing her Delphox-tail-shaped pendant by the top to show off her Key Stone. "You guys are the first to witness our true power!" She slid her hand down her pendant and over her Key Stone with fervent emotion, activating Mega Evolution for the first time. Streaks of colorful light simultaneously flared from both her Key Stone and her Medicham's hanging Medichamite. "Medicham, let's lunge! Mega Evolve!"

The bands of Mega Evolution light between the two stones connected synchronously between Delphox Rouge and Medicham, uniting their hearts as Medicham began to transform within the multicolored energy cloak. She moved her hands over her face as her headpiece started to change design. She raised her left arm up as a band formed upon her wrist. The same happened to her right wrist while additional bands formed around her hips. Teardrop bead decorations sprouted around her lowest hip band. She flourished her hands over her headpiece, accentuating the extensions that shaped her headpiece to that of a spiritual turban. She finally swung her arms back as mysterious wispy arms formed behind her, two for her right and two for her left.

Her body freed itself from the energy of Mega Evolution, revealing her true appearance as Mega Medicham. She gave a quick twirl on the tip of her right foot before landing the finishing pose, by slightly lifting her left leg and clasping her hands together with her new self-created arms raised up symmetrically. The multicolored symbol of Mega Evolution shined in the space in front of her as the conclusion.

"Hmm, y'know, if you didn't claim that this is yours and Medicham's first time at Mega Evolution, I'd say you've been rehearsing for this," Liepard Noir grinned. "That doesn't make this any less awesome though."

"Who says we haven't tried doing it without the actual evolution?" Delphox Rouge smirked back. "Medicham and I worked on strengthening our bond even after we found the Medichamite. We've been together for a long time…"

She thought back to when she first met the Pokémon as a lone adventurous Meditite wanting to challenge the Battle Chateau but was unable to because she had no Trainer. Meditite's determination reminded Delphox Rouge of her own persistence in her dream of uncovering every secret Kalos had to offer. She then thought back to when she did try out the Battle Chateau challenge with her best friend and traveling companion, giving Meditite the chance to see the facility for herself before she dedicated herself to her new Trainer's cause. They traveled throughout places in Kalos they haven't been to before, relaxed with friends, and battled many Pokémon to stay strong.

"Y'know, the bond between Trainer and Pokémon really speaks volumes of their hearts," Liepard Noir commented.

"If Liepard Noir trusts you this much, then so will I," Lady Ledian nodded. "Go get 'em, Delphox Rouge."

"Got it," Delphox Rouge nodded in return, turning to see Mega Gallade protect her Delphox from a Wood Hammer. The Blade Pokémon fell to one knee, losing strength to exhaustion. She had to act fast. "Medicham, are you ready, partner?" Mega Medicham looked back and nodded solemnly. "Help Gallade! Zen Headbutt!"

Mega Medicham's entire head became encapsulated in psychokinetic power as she performed an astounding leap off the tip of her right foot, darting in headfirst into Mega Abomasnow and blindsiding her before she could land the finishing blow on Mega Gallade. Mega Abomasnow was pushed back before falling on her side, trudging into snow that slowed her sliding.

Mega Medicham joined her Delphox teammate and Mega Gallade, the latter getting back to his feet while the former crossed her arms and huffed some flame sparks in annoyance on being saved. Mega Medicham rolled her eyes at the notion, having no time for her teammate's immature outlook. While the Meditate Pokémon did sympathize her teammate's desire to be strong and useful to make up for the neglect she suffered before joining the team, she also felt it was time for her to outgrow that view now that she reached her final evolved form.

"Now that's pure power," Liepard Noir whistled.

"That's because Pure Power is my Medicham's Ability," Delphox Rouge responded cheekily. "Mystical Fire! And Medicham, Force Palm!"

"Gallade, Psycho Cut!"

The three of them prepped their attacks quickly and aimed towards the large mound of snow Mega Abomasnow was shoved into. But before they could launch their moves, a barrage of speedy blue-glowing shards of ice emerged out of the snow pile and bombarded the three of them, disrupting their attacks while Mega Abomasnow reemerged out of the snow, roaring with a vengeance.

"BOMAH-SNOOOOOOW!"

The Frost Tree Pokémon unleashed another assault of Ice Shard out of her mouth, the chunks of ice too flying to fast at their targets for a command to be given. Mega Gallade used his capes again to mitigate damage, falling back on one knee again out of fatigue while blocking the Ice Shards homing in on him. Mega Medicham closed her eyes and mentally utilized her extra arms to strike down the Ice Shards targeting her. And as for her Delphox partner, she attempted to sidestep some ice chunks while using Mystical Fire to eradicate the rest.

"Abomasnow is so relentless," Lady Ledian remarked. "I wouldn't have guessed the instinct for self-preservation would be this overbearing."

"None of us would've guessed that, my Lady," Liepard Noir assured. "But fighting is the only way to wear Abomasnow down."

"Brute strength isn't the only way to wear a Pokémon down," Delphox Rouge offered, reaching out to her Delphox. "Check out this… mirage! Get close to Gallade and Medicham and use Double Team!"

Her Delphox showed off with a fanciful twirl of her wand as Mega Gallade and Mega Medicham went in close to her to help her fulfill her given command. Once they made physical contact, numerous clones of the three Pokémon sprouted all around Mega Abomasnow, surrounding and confounding her with their numbers.

Deciding to just attack outright, Mega Abomasnow mowed through a few clones with Ice Shard, only for them to disappear upon contact. Frustrated over missing the real ones, Mega Abomasnow unleashed her weakened Blizzard to knock away a few more clones, but to no avail. The real Pokémon were still hidden within the Double Team mass.

"I now see what you mean, little Fennekin," Liepard Noir said, glancing up to the ceiling to see the Sunny Day light starting to fade. "But we're killing daylight with all these shenanigans."

"Liepard's right," Lady Ledian agreed. "Togetic's Sunny Day is about to end. Fire-type moves will no longer be powerful once it ends. At least Abomasnow's Blizzard is no longer a threat."

"We've got this, team!" Delphox Rouge exclaimed. "Mystical Fire one more time!"

All the remaining Delphox clones raised their wands to conjure their Mystical Fire spells. However, only one Mystical Fire was going to have an effect and as part of the unfortunate side effect, expose the real Pokémon's true location within the shadow clones. Mega Abomasnow was too weakened to retaliate with a widespread Blizzard, unable to defend herself from what appeared to be flames erupting from every direction on the ground. However, she did have enough sense to feel the flames of a real Mystical Fire searing her from the left. Despite the burning pain, she turned to face the real trio and reared up for one mighty Wood Hammer.

"Here she comes!" Liepard Noir alerted. "Gallade, Slash!"

"Medicham, High Jump Kick!" Delphox Rouge followed.

Mega Gallade sharpened both his forearms before leaping up to clash against the large green Wood Hammer meant to crash upon him and his allies. Mega Medicham joined him with a vicious right knee kick, also colliding against the Wood Hammer face alongside the Blade Pokémon.

Unlike previous move clashes, this was the epic struggle that signaled the final moments of their longstanding conflict. With the hopes and confidence of their respective Trainers upon their shoulders, Mega Gallade and Mega Medicham were slowly but surely pushing back against Mega Abomasnow's Wood Hammer. Though her special attack power was hampered by multiple Mystical Fires, her physical strength had not diminished. Even with the Double Team clones slowly disappearing due to the original Delphox requiring her entire focus on offense, the best that the Fox Pokémon could do now was to weaken Mega Abomasnow's endurance with her super effective move.

Mega Abomasnow roared madly, rattling her Wood Hammer to regain leeway and throw her perceived enemies off balance with the shifting angles. The sudden tactic was indeed throwing Mega Gallade and Mega Medicham off, nearly forcing them to back off. It would've worked if…

"Sn-Sno-ver!"

A repressed maternal instinct had reawakened within Mega Abomasnow, her awareness reactivating with widened eyes upon hearing familiar cries. Though her body continued to act on the offensive, her eyes pinpointed her beloved Snover by the side behind the Pokémon she was attacking, distressed and worried. After seeing those masked teenaged humans and their Pokémon fight off those bad people wearing awful purple suits, the Snover decided to take a page from their book on courage and made their move in rescuing their mother despite how powerless they were. Their tender eyes shimmering in unshed heartbroken tears. Their body posture communicating feelings of innocence lost to fear. They wanted their mother back, that's all she needed to know from them to force her body to listen to her again.

And so, the mother did.

The two Mega Evolved Pokémon pushing back seized an opportunity once they sensed a change in Mega Abomasnow. This was the only way to truly free her from Team Akuma's grasp. The green-glowing head of Wood Hammer broke apart, freeing her arm. Mega Gallade and Mega Medicham struck her down, critical slice on one side with a super-effective knee smash on the other.

The Frost Tree Pokémon finally fell, no longer wanting to get back up and fight a pointless fight started by human affairs. She shrunk back to her normal form in a bright flash, the last of the Mega Evolution energy drained from her body. The Snover children ran to their mother, unable to bear the thought of losing her so soon.

"… Boh… masnow," Abomasnow groaned, able to turn her head to see her offspring safe from harm with the familiar soft look in her otherwise fierce eyes.

"Pound it!" Lady Ledian, Liepard Noir, and Delphox Rouge shared a three-way fist bump to celebrate their success over Team Akuma once again.

Gallade and Medicham released themselves from their Mega Evolution forms, the job now completed. They noticed the light of Sunny Day finally receding into nothing above their heads. The Pokémon were soon joined in by their Trainers, who wanted to check up on Abomasnow after everything they were forced to put her through.

"I have an extra Sitrus Berry to help revitalize Abomasnow," Lady Ledian volunteered to check up on Abomasnow.

"So, Delphox Rouge, how would you say your first-time experience at heroing is?" Liepard Noir asked.

"It's more than I had previously dreamed it would," Delphox Rouge replied. "I know this isn't a game and all, but I'm really glad you guys let me help you out. I couldn't stand the idea that Team Akuma was actually going to win, whatever it was they were doing to you, Liepard."

"Oh, yeah, the thing they were doing to me," Liepard Noir checked the Key Stone in his ring. It still had its unique vibrant shine. "Those jerks wanted to drain this little thing's energy for their evil plans. If it wasn't for you, my Key Stone might've ended up a regular stone."

"Why though?" Delphox Rouge pressed. "What is so special about yours and Lady Ledian's Key Stones that Team Akuma's going through all this trouble just to lure you out?"

"Um, let's see," Liepard Noir tapped the tips of fingers together. "To be honest, I'm still not solid on the full story myself. I'm not even sure if I'm at liberty to divulge such info freely."

"Oh, come on!" Delphox Rouge pouted. "I rescued your butt from being carved by those Sneasel. By the way, you should take care of that." She pointed at the scratches on Liepard Noir's abdomen left behind when Team Akuma ordered their Sneasel to torture him. Their claws managed to tear off pieces of his costume. He needed to get that mended. "I'm sure you're pretty ripped underneath that Liepard suit and all, but you wouldn't want to mar your abs with those scars if they're not treated right away."

While they were engaged in their own conversation, Lady Ledian cautiously approached Abomasnow and her children, holding out a Sitrus Berry as an offering of peace. The Snover seemed to understand her intentions as they gave the Ledian-themed heroine room for her to situate herself close to Abomasnow's head.

"Here, eat this," Lady Ledian urged soothingly, raising the Sitrus Berry to Abomasnow's hidden mouth. At first, she was worried that Abomasnow might be too drained of energy to even accept the Berry. The Key Stone on her left ear responded to her inner wish, releasing a blue blanket of revitalizing energy upon the Frost Tree Pokémon. "What the…?"

Liepard Noir and Delphox Rouge stopped talking upon witnessing the spectacle for themselves. The Liepard-themed hero linked the phenomenon to the idea that his Lady's Key Stone indeed had the powers of Xerneas, the deity of life and creation, which guaranteed that his Key Stone stored the powers of Yveltal, the entity of death and destruction. The scuffs and wounds covering Abomasnow's body from their altercation slowly healed and disappeared under the radiance of Lady Ledian's earring. Delphox Rouge, on the other hand, was at a loss on how this was possible.

"Okay, seriously, how is this possible?" Delphox Rouge questioned before gazing upon the pendant where she fitted her Key Stone into. "Is my Key Stone capable of such things too? Or is it just a regular Key Stone?"

"You can actually tell also through your Mega Evolved Pokémon as they would also have access to such powers," Liepard Noir filled in.

"Really?" Delphox Rouge prompted, glancing over to her Medicham, who shook her head side to side in response. She felt let down. "… Well, at least we still can Mega Evolve. That's an upside." She then looked over to Lady Ledian, who was able to get Abomasnow to eat the Sitrus Berry now. "Hey, Lady Ledian?"

"Yes?" Lady Ledian responded, getting back on her feet.

"Listen, I hope you know that I'm not trying to upstage you or steal your job or anything like that," Delphox Rouge explained modestly. "I really wanted to help you guys after all the service you've done for the Kalos region. I mean, to be honest, I think it should've been your Gardevoir landing the final blow with Liepard Noir's Gallade."

"I know that," Lady Ledian smiled softly. "And I'm sorry for being standoffish and wary. You really helped us out." She held a hand out to Delphox Rouge, much to her surprise. It didn't help that her tanned cheeks warmed up with a flattered blush. "Think we can count on you again in the next Akuma attack?"

"You know it!" Delphox Rouge enthusiastically clasped her hand with her own, cementing a new Defender partnership.

"Should we also get your number?" Liepard Noir asked.

"Mmm, nah," Delphox Rouge shook her head as her Delphox and Medicham joined her. She then turned her back on them. "Chances are I'll be able to find you guys even without your numbers. And besides…" She winked at Lady Ledian. "I don't want to come between the two of you. What you share is totally beautiful. Reminds me of my best friend and her problems with a clueless guy she likes. Speaking of her, I gotta get back to her! Behave yourselves!"

Before either of them could respond, Delphox Rouge took off alongside her Pokémon, disappearing into the distance as they went for the Frost Cavern's exit. Lady Ledian blinked blankly, blushing at the implications their new heroine friend left with them while Liepard Noir appeared to seriously consider her words.

"Well? You heard the Delphox, my Lady," Liepard Noir grinned suavely. "She gave us her blessing."

"And she also told us to behave ourselves, Skitty," Lady Ledian playfully pushed him back on the nose. Of course, her playfulness gave way when she remembered the conversation she had with him earlier in the day as Marinette. "Listen, Liepard Noir. The 'relationship' between us…"

"Say no more," Liepard Noir interrupted, holding up a hand with a solemn look. "I know you don't really feel as strongly as I hoped, but the friendship we do have is very precious to me. I'm sorry if I made you feel uncomfortable with all this. Trust me, I have no idea what I'm really doing myself. This is the first time I've ever felt this way towards anyone, but I want you to know…" His gaze was passionate yet gentle. "You mean the whole world to me, Lady Ledian."

"I value our friendship too, Liepard," Lady Ledian replied sincerely. "That's why I was so upset when you left yourself defenseless by having Gallade protect me instead. Honestly, without you, I wouldn't stand a chance against Team Akuma. Please…" She willed herself not to cry, but the desperate and sorrowful emotions behind her voice expressed her mood instead. "Please stop being so reckless!"

"… I promise," Liepard Noir muttered with a low accepting tone. "The most important thing for me right now is to make you happy. I won't endanger myself so carelessly the next time Team Akuma attacks Kalos, but know that your life is also valuable to me."

"Then we'll protect each other from now on," Lady Ledian proposed decisively. "You, me, and Delphox Rouge."

"I wouldn't have it any other way," Liepard Noir gave his toothiest smile, holding up a Poké Ball to recall Gallade. "Anyway, I think Pyroar has regained enough stamina to carry us back to town in record time. I gotta get going anyway. Are we done with Abomasnow?"

"I think so," Lady Ledian glanced over to where Abomasnow had recovered enough to sit up and tend to her children. She then turned to where the knocked-out Akuma Grunts were tied up. "We still have to hand them off to the authorities."

"After you, my Lady," Liepard Noir gestured, sharing a look of warm mirth with the girl he shared a miraculous bond with.


A while later…

"Girl, where have you been?!" Alya scolded, pulling an excited Marinette in her arms upon reuniting in front of the Dendemille Town Pokémon Center. "I was worried sick you weren't answering my texts!"

"So sorry about that!" Marinette squealed, hugging Alya for all her worth. "I got too preoccupied in finding materials for Rose and Juleka's Master Showcase dresses that I, uh, lost track of time! Yeah! That's it!"

"So selfless," Alya laughed, handling her BFF by her shoulders. "You're a saint, Marinette."

"I was going to make their dresses anyway," Marinette shrugged, prompting Alya to remove her hands. "I'm still a fashion designer by heart, remember? It's my thing."

"Really, because I can think of another thing that has driven you this far," Alya smirked. "A certain Ace Trainer and future Kalos Champion, to be specific."

"Alya, please, I've got a lot on my mind," Marinette squeaked, faintly blushing at the mention of her crush.

"Like what?" Alya asked.

"Priorities I need to sort out first," Marinette mumbled. "Adrien will always be a top priority to me, but… I feel like I need to give him some time first before he can finally come around."

"What do you mean?" Alya prompted. "What brought this up all of a sudden?"

"Adrien has a lot to live up to, right?" Marinette reminded. "I'm just trying to understand things through his point of view. I've realized that after talking to… someone…" An image of Liepard Noir appeared in the forefront of her mind's eye. His outlook on perfection had unknowingly left an impact on her. "… That I've been inconsiderate and selfish of what he's going through. And that I still don't understand him as much as I initially thought."

"And this is coming from the girl who knows his favorite places to chill back in Lumiose City by heart," Alya remarked. "You've really come a long way, haven't ya?"

"It's not that easy to figure out," Marinette continued. "I know we'll run into Adrien again, but I'm not going to be up all in his face like a stammering loser. I have a lot of work to do to improve myself for him." The thought of her Gardevoir failing to maintain her Mega Evolution came to mind this time. She needed to "That much I know I must do."

"Then I'll be here and help you along the way," Alya grinned before pausing with an afterthought. "That is, as long as Lumiose Press doesn't need me right away."

"When did you arrive in Dendemille Town anyway?" Marinette asked.

"Not long after I found you heading to the Pokémon Center," Alya answered. It technically wasn't a lie as she arrived in town and quickly changed out of her Delphox Rouge costume, but it wasn't the truth either. But the less Marinette knew of her deeper involvement in the battle for truth and justice against Team Akuma, the better. She hated lying to her BFF, especially as Marinette hated liars, but once Team Akuma would finally be taken down, she'll finally come clean with everything. "News of a Team Akuma attack spooked everyone, so my travel up to here was pretty hectic."

"Oh? And I thought you were where the attack was taking place," Marinette jested.

"I, uh, couldn't make it," Alya shrugged. "You win some, you lose some. I'll get another interview with Lady Ledian and Liepard Noir one day."

"You know, I've heard a new hero had just joined them," Marinette brought up, not noticing Alya being frozen in shock. "The townspeople mentioned that the police talked about seeing a girl dressed like a Delphox leave Frost Cavern after arresting the Team Akuma members there."

"O-Oh, y-you don't say?" Alya giggled nervously.

"Yeah, whoever she is, she's a brave one taking an active step in fighting Team Akuma," Marinette continued. "I think you should interview her if you manage to catch her, Alya."

"D-Duly noted," Alya grinned too widely, yet Marinette didn't understand why the sudden weird behavior.

"O… kay," Marinette raised a brow. "You know, I think we're both tired, you from traveling straight from Lumiose City to Dendemille Town and me with finding dress materials. Let's just rest for today. We'll head for Anistar City tomorrow."

"Oh! By the way, did I mention a few… changes happened before I arrived?" Alya announced, pulling out her phone to reveal its newest charm, much to Marinette's utter surprise. She was going to find out sooner or later, as well as Trixx's evolution once she let her Pokémon out. Might as well clear the air as they went inside the Pokémon Center. "Thought I should say something. It all started the last day back in Lumiose Press…"


Somewhere in Route 17…

"What the?" Adrien couldn't believe who was calling him now. Moreover, he didn't believe his phone could still receive reception despite riding on the back of a Mamoswine on the way to Anistar City while in deep snow. Still, his father gave him the best cell phone model available that even in a place like Mamoswine Road, he would still be able to receive calls and messages. But now wasn't the time to think about such things as he had to answer his phone now. "Father?"

"Adrien, where are you now?" Gabriel's voice inquired with a gentleness that Adrien had almost forgotten about.

"Huh, oh, I'm on the way to Anistar City," Adrien replied. He was impressed with himself on how quickly he made it to this point despite helping Lady Ledian and the Kalos police force arrest the Team Akuma Grunts they dealt with. "I'm on a Mamoswine."

"I see," Gabriel responded. "… Please travel safely, my son."

"Father?" Adrien prompted, wondering what that was all about, but didn't get an answer as his father had hung up on him. He had a strange feeling in his gut, but that might be because of the injuries those Team Akuma Sneasel left on his stomach. "So… he's not going to follow up on me reaching Anistar City by tonight?"


Elsewhere…

Poison Moth stared at his phone before its screen went black, the last interface it had detailing that he contacted Adrien barely seconds ago. Despite fearing that he might've been close to the recent attack on Frost Cavern, Adrien sounded fine and was already making his way to Anistar City as promised. At least he was going to get his seventh Gym badge, that much he knew.

"Sir, I've come in with the news regarding the latest… ahem, failure," Nathalie announced, walking into his chamber.

"I'm well-aware of us having lost more men and women," Poison Moth responded, lowering his head and leaning on his cane. "Those masked brats have caused enough trouble as it is." A peculiar beeping sound echoed from his monitor, prompting him to lift his head back up while a satisfied smirk made its way on his face. "But they're not going to win in the end."

"How so?" Nathalie inquired. "The latest device meant to drain their Key Stone's energies was destroyed in Frost Cavern. The new girl calling herself 'Delphox Rouge' got in the way."

"That was the purpose I had our scientists tell our field agents upon deployment," Poison Moth explained as two graphical interfaces emerged upon his monitor. "However, what I had the scientists withhold was the true function for that device."

"What would that be, sir?" Nathalie asked.

"I knew all along that attempting to siphon their Key Stones on the spot would be doomed from the beginning," Poison Moth continued. "And knowing how big-mouthed some of our agents can be, I sent them to battle with that mindset. After all, ignorance is Blissey." Nathalie held back a groan at that Pokémon pun. Nonetheless, her boss continued with his theatrics. "No, the true purpose behind that device was to analyze the energy frequencies of its subject. In this case, a Key Stone. Specifically, the Key Stone belonging to Liepard Noir. That data is then immediately sent back to Team Akuma's database for immediate analysis. More efficient and faster than stealing through force, right?"

As to prove his point, the graphical interface on the left was labeled 'Key Stone' while showing a frequency line graph surrounded by complicated measurements and numbers. The line pattern appeared steady and consistent.

"Why is that important?" Nathalie had a feeling where this was going, but she had to ask for a final confirmation.

"Team Akuma may have lost this battle, but I will soon win the war," Poison Moth grinned darkly as the right graphical interface loaded with the subject title 'Key Stone: Yveltal' on top to be used as comparison to the left frequency graph. A similar line pattern soon loaded on the right interface, but with an abnormally drawn zigzag outlined in red isolated within the Key Stone's frequency. "Yveltal's energy signature has been identified. Time to go Legendary Pokémon hunting."


Quite the wild chapter, isn't it? Delphox Rouge gets to show off and save our heroes and yet Poison Moth got what he needed. Only means that something big is on its way. It was bound to happen sooner or later.

I attempted to have Medicham's Mega Evolution sequence mimic Rena Rouge's transformation the best I could while still making it unique to Medicham. It was difficult, but I think I might've done okay in describing it. Maybe. I was able to do it for Gardevoir and Gallade, and I actually had fun writing those sequences.

Well, what you guys can expect for the next chapter is Marinette and Alya finally heading up to Anistar City so that Marinette can also work on earning her seventh badge. And I will also say that Adrien might get a chapter of his own, just to take a break from constantly writing Marinette's story, but she'll still have her own thing going on at the same time. Just not as main focus for the chapter, that's all.

Please review!